Government shutdowns can have major ripple effects across the construction industry, leading to millions in lost wages, halted permits, and project delays. When federal operations pause, key systems like permitting, inspections, and onboarding often stop as well—disrupting hiring, slowing project starts, and creating uncertainty for contractors and workers alike. Even short shutdowns can cause scheduling headaches, wage losses, and significant downtime on active jobs.

Beyond the immediate impact, shutdowns can also weaken confidence in the broader construction market. Delayed permits and funding pauses make it harder for projects to stay on track, while investors and private clients often hold back on new work during periods of political uncertainty. These disruptions underscore the importance of planning ahead, maintaining strong communication with clients, and building flexibility into project timelines.

Click here to read more about how government shutdowns affect the construction industry.

Click Here for a copy of the study

A message from Sarasota County regarding an update on the ongoing Sarasota County Impact Fee Study:

“The study is part of our continued efforts to ensure that our fee structures remain data-driven and aligned with both current conditions and the future needs of our growing community.

The study includes a comprehensive evaluation of the methodologies used to calculate impact fees across various sectors, including Parks, Library, Fire, Emergency Management Services, Law, Justice Facilities and General Government. The goal is to ensure fees are aligned with infrastructure demands generated by new development, while maintaining transparency and consistency in the application of these fees.

As part of this process, we invite you to participate in the following two public workshops, which will provide an opportunity to learn more about the study and offer feedback:

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

• Sarasota Operations Center, Conference Room BOB 2

Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

• Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium at Selby Library

Attendance and input are encouraged at these sessions, as your feedback is a valuable part of the process."

Florida HVAC contractors have an opportunity to benefit from an unlikely source when it comes to having a shortage of technicians: Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s not that AI is recruiting workers into the HVAC trade, AI is reshaping the future of work. College degrees aren’t as valuable as they once were and in response to traditional careers being less secure, young professionals are switching industries and turning to trade work.

Zety’s Gen Z Reroute Report, based on a national survey of 1,000 Gen Z workers and updated on August 14, 2025, found that 65% of them said college degrees won’t protect them from AI-related job loss. The trades are becoming an option: 53% say they’re now considering blue collar jobs or skilled trades. AI has already caused 43% to change their READ MORE

In today’s skilled trades—plumbing, HVAC, and electrical—retaining talent isn’t just about competitive pay. Companies that thrive are the ones that consistently show employees they’re valued. Recognition, once rare in the trades, has become a frontline business strategy. A simple shout-out at a crew meeting, a thank-you note, or celebrating milestones can fuel loyalty, performance, and customer satisfaction. Studies show that employees who feel recognized are significantly more engaged and far more likely to stay with their employer—saving companies thousands in recruitment and training costs.

Recognition works because it taps into a basic human need for appreciation, triggering positive brain chemistry and reinforcing strong performance. In an industry facing turnover rates near 47%, building a culture of appreciation is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity. Forward-thinking leaders are using recognition not as fluff, but as a business tool that strengthens teams, boosts morale, and sets their companies apart in a tight labor market. Bottom line: recognition is one of the most cost-effective ways to spark pride, purpose, and staying power in your workforce. Click here to read more.

The newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduces major tax reforms impacting contractors and construction businesses. Key highlights include permanent 100% bonus depreciation, expanded Section 179 expensing, restoration of R&D deductions, and indefinite extension of the 20% QBI pass-through deduction. Other business-friendly changes allow more generous interest deductions, income deferral for large residential projects, and immediate expensing for U.S. production property. Temporary benefits include an overtime deduction through 2028 and a higher SALT deduction cap through 2029 before it phases back down.

For construction firms, the bill also accelerates the cutoff for certain green energy credits (179D and 45L) and provides enhanced tax-saving opportunities for both individuals and businesses. Most of these benefits are heavily front-loaded through 2028, making it critical to plan ahead with your tax professional. Acting now ensures you can fully leverage these deductions, credits, and incentives before key provisions expire or revert. Click here to read more.

The HVACR industry is rapidly transitioning to A2L refrigerants due to environmental regulations and the demand for energy-efficient solutions. These mildly flammable refrigerants are replacing HFCs like R-410A, with manufacturers already prohibited from producing new R-410A systems as of January 2025, and sales of packaged R-410A systems allowed only until 2028. The shift affects air conditioning, heat pumps, chillers, and commercial refrigeration, requiring manufacturers to update components and system designs to ensure compatibility, performance, and safety. Advanced sensors and innovative control technologies play a crucial role in detecting refrigerant leaks and managing mitigation actions, helping systems operate efficiently while reducing flammability risks.

For technicians, installing and servicing A2L systems is similar to traditional R-410A units but requires extra attention to wiring and sensor functionality. Maintenance largely mirrors existing practices, with the added step of ensuring sensors remain clean and fully operational, and replacements must match the original manufacturer’s specifications exactly. While the transition presents new challenges, it also opens opportunities for safer, more efficient, and sustainable HVACR systems. Companies like Danfoss are supporting this evolution with advanced components and sensors, helping the industry meet regulatory deadlines and move toward a more connected, low-GWP future. Click here to read more.

In construction, insurance is a vital tool for managing risks, but not all policies function the same way. Occurrence-based policies cover incidents that happen during the policy period, regardless of when a claim is filed. This makes them particularly valuable for long-tail risks where damage or injury may appear years after project completion. Commercial General Liability (CGL) policies are the most common example, protecting against bodily injury, property damage, and certain personal or advertising injuries arising from work performed during the coverage period. Contractors benefit from occurrence-based coverage because it provides lasting protection, though maintaining detailed records is essential to confirm coverage for past incidents.

On the other hand, claims-made policies only cover claims reported during the policy period (or an extended reporting period) for incidents occurring after the policy’s retroactive date. These policies are typically used for professional liability or errors and omissions (E&O) coverage for design professionals, engineers, and contractors offering design-build services. Because design flaws may surface long after a project is completed, maintaining continuous claims-made coverage is critical; lapses or carrier changes without prior acts coverage can leave significant gaps. Ultimately, contractors often need both types of coverage—occurrence-based for general liability and claims-made for professional liability—to ensure comprehensive protection against construction-related risks. Click here to read more.

The Florida Building Commission has released the actions and outcomes from the September 2025 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings regarding glitch proposals to the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code. These proposals reflect changes from the 2025 Legislative Session (HB 683, HB 551, HB 913, and SB 180).

The Second 45-Day Comment Period is now open and runs September 11 – October 25, 2025 (midnight deadline). Contractors, engineers, and all interested parties are encouraged to review the TAC reports and submit comments before the deadline.

 Review TAC Meeting Minutes & Reports:
Florida Building Code Development Process – TAC Reports

✉️ Submit Comments to:
Mr. Mo Madani
Email: mo.madani@myfloridalicense.com

Questions? Call 850-487-1824

Starting July 1, Floridians can save money year-round on emergency supplies thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The measure makes the sales tax exemption on disaster preparedness items permanent, eliminating the need to wait for temporary tax holidays during hurricane season. Part of a $1.3 billion tax relief package, the law removes sales tax on items such as portable generators, tarps, batteries, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, sunscreen, insect repellent, life jackets, and more.

Retailers across Florida expect steady demand for these supplies as families stock up without timing purchases around a limited window. The permanent exemption replaces Florida’s previous hurricane-prep tax holidays and is one element of House Bill 7031, which also includes a permanent Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, a fall outdoor recreation holiday, tax-free state park admissions, and a study on future property tax relief. Click here to read more.